Tips for Playing Golf in Imperfect Weather

You’ve been looking forward to this round ever since booking your tee time. Suddenly, the forecast is calling for unfavorable conditions. You may start asking yourself, “How hot is too hot to play golf?” or “At what point would the wind and rain be too much to battle?” If you came out of that Q&A session still wanting to play bad-weather golf, our pros have tips for making the most of your round.

1. Play it smart: Or be smart by not playing. If the weather is extreme (think: thunderstorms or gale-force winds), you should simply reschedule the round. Your safety is always more important than your handicap.
   
   
2. Dress for success: Even with teeth-chattering temperatures, you’ll want to don lightweight layers rather than bulky outerwear to ensure full mobility. Rain in the forecast? Make sure a waterproof jacket is one of these layers! As the weather (and your body) warm up, this gives you the flexibility of removing one or more layers to stay comfortable throughout your round. When the summer sun is relentlessly beating down, breathable, sweat-wicking performance fabrics are your best friend.
   
   
3. Score the right gear: To protect your clubs (and your performance), we recommend carrying some essential rain gear: A waterproof golf bag cover or rain hood, extra towels (to dry your grips and ball), rain gloves – or multiple pairs of dry gloves (to ensure a secure grasp on your clubs) and a golf umbrella.
   
   
4. Eye on the ball: In wet conditions, we recommend playing with a softer golf ball to achieve more spin and control. You should also adjust your swing to account for soggy turf, which could affect your footing and the ball’s behavior.
   
   
5. Speaking of footing: Rain can cause extremely slippery surfaces – especially on tees, fairways and around the greens. Wear golf shoes that deliver superior traction and take shorter-than-normal steps to maintain your stability and prevent falls.
   
   
6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: This is obviously crucial when temperatures are hot and steamy – but it’s just as important to drink enough water to keep you in top form in any weather.
   
   
7. Know when to call it: What begins as a light rain on the first tee can escalate into a raging thunderstorm by the time you hit the back nine. Use your judgment and consider taking a break or even abandoning the game, if necessary. Remember – safety first!
   
   
8. Don’t be hard on yourself: Foul conditions can impact performance, so be realistic about your expectations. Focus on foundational skills – like maintaining a solid grip, balance and contact with the ball – rather than your score.

While imperfect weather can result in a less-than-perfect round, a day on the links beats a day just about anywhere else. And you might be surprised by how rewarding overcoming the challenge of heat, rain or wind can be. When you’re ready to plan your next golf getaway, be sure to check out our stay packages which bundle your rounds with overnight accommodations at our AAA Four-Diamond resort and additional guest perks.